Are you looking for a great atmosphere, snacks, and irresistible drinks? Here’s a list of the best cantinas in Mexico City—legendary spots that continue to offer memorable moments to those who visit them.
Some of them still offer a variety of snacks, while others focus on à la carte meals, live music, and even specialty cocktails. It all depends on the mood you’re in when you go.
New York
One of the hidden gems still found in the Guerrero neighborhood is none other than New York. Across from the Martínez de la Torre market, you’ll be welcomed by this small spot where the atmosphere never disappoints—and neither do the drinks.
The snacks keep coming as long as you keep drinking, though we recommend going on a Saturday to try the chamorro, this cantina’s signature dish.
They don’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait patiently for a table.
La Dominica
In the Historic Center, you’ll find a century-old cantina. Its endurance over time (and its great atmosphere) have made it a must-visit if you enjoy eating and drinking at a good price.
Snacks? Yes, the homemade and well-prepared dishes will arrive at your table. And of course, the little plate of garlic peanuts will never be empty.
Riviera del Sur
Whether you want to celebrate a birthday, watch an important soccer game, or simply hang out with your friends.
Although the snacks aren’t included, they have an extensive menu of dishes ranging from suckling pig tacos to panuchos and gobernador tacos.
Drinks: beers, margaritas, negronis, martinis, and even azulitos on Fridays.
La Perla
A Cuba Libre, a margarita, and even a beer are best enjoyed with a good snack. Here, they serve them as you order drinks: frijoles charros, tortas de carne, pancita, and the must-try chamorro are some of the stars. If you’re lucky, musicians will come to your table to play your favorite songs. Although the place also has a pretty nice musical repertoire.
Located in the Escandón neighborhood, El León de Oro is a cantina that has been in operation since 1954; diners will find history and tradition in the food, the decor, and the atmosphere. It’s also a gathering spot for those looking to party or for a place to indulge in nostalgia.
Here, you’ll find live music featuring norteño and mariachi bands. Keep in mind that this Mexico City cantina is family-friendly.
Near the Templo Mayor, in the Historic Center, lies one of the oldest cantinas in Mexico City. Salón España has been in business for over 100 years. Best of all, its drink menu features 193 varieties of tequila, wines, and spirits.
This is one of the favorite spots to have a drink, listen to music, or watch a sports game. Keep in mind that the snacks change every day, and you can check the menu by clicking here.
A spot in true Jalisco style in the heart of Tlalpan. This cantina in southern Mexico City opened its doors in 1870 and, since then, has welcomed prominent figures from the worlds of art, politics, and sports.
Here you’ll enjoy beers and classic cocktails paired with exquisite dishes and snacks such as shrimp broth, paella, and cod all year round. Keep in mind that paella is only served on Fridays and Saturdays. Note: Minors are not allowed here.
One of the most famous cantinas in Mexico City’s Historic Center is, without a doubt, La Faena. It’s a combination of a bar and a bullfighting museum that displays paintings, decorations, and costumes from the Mexican bullfighting tradition.
The 20th-century architecture and design will transport you to nostalgic times when the bartender served “la del estribo” to those seeking to heal a broken heart. On the drink menu: Spanish brandies, draft beers and bottled brands, tequilas, vodkas, and more. There’ll be no shortage of snacks on the table.
On 5 de Mayo Avenue, in the Historic Center, is La Ópera. It’s one of the most charming bars, as it was frequented by Porfirio Díaz, his wife Carmelita Romero, and Finance Minister José Ivés Limantour, as well as other 20th-century political figures.
Also, figures from the worlds of art, journalism, and literature—such as Gabriel García Márquez and Jacobo Zabludosky —visited this cantina. One of its main features is the iconic bullet hole left by General Francisco Villa in the ceiling. Yes, it’s still visible at La Ópera. You can check out the menu here.
El Gallo de Oro
Founded in 1874, El Gallo de Oro is one of Mexico City’s oldest cantinas. Located in downtown Mexico City, it was known for bringing together the bullfighting community.
Today, it’s a gathering spot for those looking to party, raise a toast with friends, watch a soccer game, and enjoy a hearty feast. It’s worth noting that most of the dishes served here pay homage to Spanish cuisine.
A must-visit for anyone in Plaza Garibaldi is Salón Tenampa. For over 90 years, this has been the perfect spot to listen to mariachi music, have a drink, and drown your sorrows every now and then.
This venue has appeared in Mexican films such as “El Potrero” by Mario Moreno “Cantinflas.” Among the regulars here were major celebrities: José Alfredo Jiménez, Chavela Vargas, and Lola Beltrán. You can learn more about its history and menu here.
La Peninsular
La Peninsular’s license dates back to 1871 (according to the Mexico City government), making it one of the city’s earliest cantinas. Like other bars of that era, it was open only to men.
It wasn’t until 1982 that the government of what was then the Federal District mandated mixed-gender access. Today, this bar is an ideal spot to watch sports games, enjoy Mexican snacks, and have a good time drinking.
In southern Mexico City, there are also cantinas worth checking out. A prime example is El Gallo de Oro, one of the oldest bars, which opened its doors in 1989. Its founders, Edgar Márquez Zamora and Emilia Cárdenas Méndez, started out selling carnitas and barbacoa.
Currently, the menu features Mexican dishes, ranging from mole to cuts of meat. Breakfast is served from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The most popular items on the drink menu are: piedras, micheladas, and sangría in a pitcher. Keep in mind that this is a family-friendly cantina; they even have a children’s play area.
El Gallo de Oro is the perfect spot to dance to a variety of music (on Fridays) and enjoy live entertainment.
This is a legendary spot. Located in Santa María la Ribera, Salón París is a cantina once frequented by José Alfredo Jiménez himself, to whom the venue pays tribute with a wealth of photographs and newspaper clippings.
The jukebox calls the shots when it comes to music. And as beer, rum, and all kinds of spirits flow, there’s no shortage of snacks. Tapas, soups, and side dishes will satisfy your appetite, while the drinks will have you singing at the top of your lungs.
This cantina, located in the Guerrero neighborhood, will welcome you with live music and an extensive menu—we recommend the molcajete to share! Wait for the dessert service to arrive at your table so you can find one that wins you over.
The drink menu offers something for every taste: wine, champagne, gin, sherry, cognac, brandy, tequila, mezcal, and much more. The “UDG” is one of Mexico City’s most traditional cantinas; since 1933, it has been filling visitors’ lives with fun and good times.
